Phytoremediation Potential of Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia) for Copper and Zinc Removal in California Wetlands

Overview

This project evaluated the phytoremediation potential of mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), a California native wetland plant, to remove copper and zinc from contaminated water. The study was conducted at the Madrona Marsh in Torrance, California, one of the few remaining freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County, where urban runoff contributes to heavy metal contamination. Field-collected mule fat cuttings were acclimated and exposed to copper and zinc sulfate solutions at four concentrations: 0 mg/L (control), 3.33 mg/L, 33.3 mg/L, and 166.7 mg/L. Twelve 3L tanks were established with three replicates per treatment. Water samples were collected at 1 hour, 24 hours, and weekly for 4-8 weeks, then analyzed using spectrophotometry to quantify changes in metal concentrations. The experiment was repeated in two independent trials to validate results. Following trials, plants were separated into roots, stalks, and leaves. Tissues were oven-dried, ground using a mortar and pestle, and processed using cold hydrochloric acid extraction. Diluted samples were analyzed using spectrophotometry to examine mule fat anatomy’s effects on contaminant bioaccumulation. Despite some fluctuations in the rates and changes in the mule fat’s heavy metal intake, 92% of treatment groups showed significant reductions in copper and zinc, up to an average of 83.37%. Uptake generally increased with exposure concentration, with the highest accumulation consistently observed in root and stalk tissues. These findings indicate that mule fat is effective, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable in reducing heavy metal contamination and supporting habitat restoration in California wetlands.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Environmental Engineering (Senior Division) · Entry S-11-30

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